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What really happens Behind The Scenes at Human Risk?
How can organisations get the best out of the humans they employ and empower them to help deliver desired outcomes? The answer is by focusing on the decisions taken that are critical in determining whether or not the right outcome is achieved. On this episode, I speak to Sarah Abramson, Head of Marketing at Acteon, a communication and learning agency in Cambridge, UK. I came across Acteon last year after they approached me to be the keynote speaker at their annual event called, appropriately enough, Speak To The Human. I had such a brilliant time and met so many amazing people — some of whom have been guests on the show, links below — that not only did I do what keynote speakers hardly ever do and stick around for the rest of the day after I'd done my presentation, but I'm also going back to this year's event as an attendee. It's taking place this week, and since Speak To The Human is a very small invite-only event, you can't buy tickets, and it isn't recorded or streamed, I thought I'd ask Sarah, as event organizer, to join me on a special episode of this show to share some of the magic that grabbed my attention. In our discussion, we talk about the event, how Sarah goes about curating it and some of the unusual elements she incorporates to make it less a conference and more of a gathering of itnersting people. What she has to say is a fascinating blueprint for thinking about live events in a post-pandemic world. Before we get to that, Sarah talks about Acteon's work — you'll hear some fascinating case studies of human risk-related problems being solved creatively. She tells me about the importance of understanding human behaviour — not the theory of what people should do, but the realities of what they actually do — how storytelling can help effective communication and how to create belonging and connection within organisations. And we hear about Sarah's passion for marathon running and coaching, exploring the parallels between athletic training that seeks to get teh best out of individual runners and getting the best of of employees at workKey Topics:Introduction to Sarah Abramson and Acteon [00:00:00]Sarah's role at Acteon and her background in marketing communications.Overview of Acteon's work in communication and learning.Translating Strategy into Actions [00:02:00]The challenge of making boardroom strategies actionable for employees.Examples of how Acteon supports clients in implementing strategies.Moments that Matter [00:04:00]Identifying critical actions that significantly impact strategic success.Case study on health and safety compliance in care homes.Building a Positive Remote Work Culture [00:05:00]Strategies for maintaining company culture in a hybrid work environment.The importance of inclusive and high-quality hybrid meetings.Behavioural Science Framework: COM-B [00:07:00]Explanation of the COM-B model: Capability, Motivation, and Opportunity.How Acteon uses this model to influence employee behaviour.Storytelling in Communication [00:26:00]The power of storytelling to engage and influence employees.Examples of effective storytelling in corporate settings.Sarah's Experience in Marathon Running and Coaching [00:45:00]Insights from Sarah's dual role as a marathon runner and coach.Parallels between athletic training and corporate behaviour.Parental Insights into Human Behaviour [00:34:00]How parenting skills translate into professional skills.The value of understanding human behaviour through parenting experiences.Speak to the Human Event [01:00:00]Overview of Acteon's annual event focusing on human connection.Themes and unique elements of the event include music and magic.Links to Relevant Resources:Acteon CommunicationsSarah on LinkedInThe COM-B ModelSteve Peters' "The Chimp Paradox"Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow"Speak to the Human 2024The Speak to the Human podcast featuring an episode with a guest you might recognise.Previous episodes of this show featuring people I met at last year's Speak To The Human:Hannah Williams on The Art of Live Scribing: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/hannah-williams-on-the-art-of-live-scribing/ Heather Urquhart on Improvisation two-part special: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-one/
What can business learn from improvisation? If you listened to the previous episode of the shwo, you'll know the answer. If you haven't yet done so, then I recommend dojgn that before listening to this. Because this is Part Two of my discussion with Heather Urquhart and it lfows naturally on from Part One.Meet Heather UrqhuhartMy guest Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.In Part Two of our discussion, we look at the behind the scenes of improv. How can an improv compoany have a code of conduct?How do you design rules for a business that is about creativity?Why is it so difficult for people to say 'I don't know'.And much more. This is Part Two of a two part discussion. Part One is here: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-one/Links The moment when Hollywood Director Michael Bay leaves the stage during a launch event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=R4rMy1iA268Heather's website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/Her company ‘And Also' Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/ 'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/
What can business learn from improvisation? On the face of it, a form of entertainment that involves making things up as you go along, seems to be filled with human risk and not at all helpful in the business world.But actually, the skills that improvisers use to entertain us, are incredibky useful in businesses to drive better decision-making, The techniques that allow them to respond to unexpecte situations or come up with creative ideas, are incredibly helpful in a business context.Having previously explored some of the dynamics of improv with Comedy Store director, author and perfomer Neil Mullarkey, I wanted to dive a little deeper into the subject.Meet Heather UrqhuhartMy guest on this episode Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.In our discussion, we look how the dynamics inherent in improv can help to improce the quality of decision-making and ideas within businesses.Amongst other things, we look at how active listening, a non-judgmental approach to creative ideas can transform all aspects of an organization, not just the traditionally 'creative' ones. True to the theme, Heather and I set out on our conversation with an open agenda. Not only did that take us to some intesting and unexpected places, but it also meant that we just kept going. So much so, that there's too much for just one episode. So, this is Part one of a two part discussion. Part Two is coming soon.Links My previous discussion with Neil Mullarkey: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/neil-mullarkey-on-being-in-the-moment/Heather's website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/Her compnay ‘And Also' Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/ 'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/
We talk about improvising science fiction as part of Assimilate Improv with Josh Hards, playing aliens and robots, Hoopla Impro, Chris Mead, Katy Schutte, online improv, Boyd Branch, virtual hugs, Andrew Pugsley's Isolation, Jessica Arjet, Parallelogramophonograph, Hideout Theatre, Megan Sherrod, Kaci Beeler, Roy Janik, Scoops Improv Comedy Brighton, 2Spoons Improv (Elena Kerrigan and Jennifer Haufek), The Actors, Simon Goodway, Two Pegs in a Pod with Kathy Manson, The Shed in the Thicket, Beige Mirror, Simon Topping, Kate Lloyd, fear, The Maydays, reviewing shows for The Reviews Hub at the Brighton Fringe, blogging about improv as Spontaneous Tortoise, John Cremer, the The Maydays retreat, Lloydie James Lloyd, musical improv, Harry Puckering, Ric Stewart, Carrie White, Liz Peters and Joe Samuel, Heather Urquhart, using cards as inspiration for characters, how to play Percentages, and Katharine Steer.
Kathy Manson talks about Tea & Toast Improv, musical improv, Tea & Toast Present: Bla Bla Land, costumes, Tea & Toast at Number 9, Sarah Davies, Carleen McDermid, Heather Urquhart, The Maydays, Tea & Toast's Mixtape, Museum of Relationships, AndAlso Improv, intimacy, Jules Munns, Damian Smith, boundaries, consent, Unbridled Improv(definitely not inspired by Jilly Cooper), using physicality to inspire scenes, the importance of introductions, stage pictures, Claptrap Podcast, and playing villains.
Chris Read talks about Dogface Improv, The Maydays, Liz Peters, Brian Jack, Jonathan Pitts, Free Association, inclusivity, mental health, Bristol Improv Theatre, Maria Peters, Heather Urquhart, Joe Samuel, Mark Womersley, musical improv, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Micah Philbrook, Stephanie McCullough, Jen Rowe, organising a jam night, using technology in improvisation, AI, Jessica Rogers, Imo Gen, the Decon and Miles Stroth.
Emma T talks about Bristol Improv Theatre, Heather Urquhart, The Nursery, The Sheep of Orion, online improv, Delight Collective, Hideout Theatre, Meisner, Mark Phoenix, The Light Bulb, Johan Somers, One Eyed Scouts, Jennifer Osborne Prescott, Stephen Davidson, puppetry, Emma T and Bela, Sandy Handley, Maggiebeth Sand, Dave McCabe, Unscripted Players, The Thoroughgoods, The Grumpkins, Judy Frary, HER-larious, Imogen Palmer, Cathy Towers, Doctor Who and The Wurzels. Please support the Improv London podcast by liking, subscribing and telling your friends about this episode. Support us financially via: https://www.patreon.com/improvlondon.
Heather is a UK based improviser with 20 years experience. She performs regularly with The Maydays, Showstopper! the Improvised Musical, and more as well as coaching people in improvisation and improv skills for life and work. She specializes in musical improvisation. She is the the winner of the award for best female performer at Brighton Fringe & the Argus Angel Award for artistic excellence. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kevin-scott2/support
126 - Heather Urquhart - Improv London Podcast by Improv London
This episode's guests are Heather Urquhart and Joe Samuel. Heather is a member of the Oliver award winning improvised musical showstoppers and Joe is an internationally renowned musical improv director who has worked with the likes of Colin Mochrie and Mike McShane. Together they are authors of the book "Sing it!" and are directors of the improv troupe The Maydays. Recorded in the Nursery Training Centre, London Bridge.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stevexoh)
Heather's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Musicimprov The Concept: http://thenurserytheatre.com/the-concept/ The Maydays: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/ Ben's BuckBuckGames: http://buckbuckgames.com/ http://stanmerhouse.co.uk/phantasmagoria/ Sam's twitter: https://twitter.com/samuelrae_ Follow Contrived & Insufferable to stay up to date: https://twitter.com/contrivedpod
Our last three episodes of Green Beauty Conversations formed our Beauty Branding Week and gave you plenty of strategies and practical tactics to help you get under way on your branding journey. However, if you've already launched your brand but feel that it's looking tired or is not doing your business justice or perhaps you've simply fallen out of love with it, now might be the right time to consider rebranding your beauty business. If you are at this juncture, then our guest in this episode has plenty of insights to help you work out if a rebrand might be good for your beauty business. We chat to Formula Botanica alumni Heather Urquhart, founder of Huna Natural Apothecary about the gains and pains of a rebranding exercise. Huna Apothecary is based in Winnipeg, Canada, and creates 100% natural and organic high-performance skin nutrition. Although having launched her business only a few years ago, Heather realised that Huna needed to enhance its brand positioning to be able to attract more retailers and compete with well-known, larger names in the natural beauty industry. When Heather started out she wisely bootstrapped most of her business and branding, but when she started missing out on market opportunities, she decided it was time to invest seriously in Huna's branding. In this episode, Heather talks us through her rebranding journey with its highs and lows. In this episode, you'll find out about: Why investing in your branding as early as possible is essential not peripheral to growing your business; Why retailers are a great resource and can help give you a reality check and feedback when you face a rebrand; How working with creative professionals on rebranding your beauty business makes all the difference to its success; Why you need to allow a good six months, or more, from creative brief to finishing a rebranding exercise; What outcomes you can expect from taking the plunge to rebrand. As Heather moves Huna from its first years as a start-up beauty business to running a premium natural beauty brand stocked widely in her native Canada, and soon further afield, she has plenty of business advice too. Key takeaways from this episode on the reasons to rebrand your beauty business include: Communicate closely with your retail partners throughout your rebrand process. They have their finger on the pulse of consumers probably more than you do. Don't underestimate how much time and money can go into sourcing the right packaging. Note also that premium beauty may require a look and finish with high minimum order quantities. Don't forget about the website in your rebranding exercise. Hire web design and build experts with a proven track record in delivering on time and to brief. You will make mistakes in building your brand and business but remember, this is part of your growth and learning curve. Just remain agile and be prepared to change course. We're in the beauty business where image counts. Don't forget that in your quest to showcase its green, clean face. Find out more about Heather's journey from botanist to successful natural beauty brand by following Huna Natural Apothecary: Huna Natural Apothecary website. Huna Natural Apothecary on Instagram. Huna Natural Apothecary on Facebook. Huna Natural Apothecary on Twitter. Huna Natural Apothecary on Pinterest. Listen, Download and Subscribe to Green Beauty Conversations Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica: Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review on iTunes or Stitcher so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Huna Natural Apothecary Age Grace Face Serum. Click here to purchase and get a 20% discount using offer-code: POWERWOMENGREEN (valid on all Huna products through September 4th, 2017) A sneak peak into Huna Natural Apothecary's farm. The perfect combination: working together with the University of Manitoba to further deepen the natural skincare knowledge. Huna Natural Apothecary Balance and Brighten Cleansing Powder. Click here to purchase and get a 20% discount using the offer-code: POWERWOMENGREEN (valid on all Huna products through September 4th, 2017) Sea Buckthorn, one of the natural and potent ingredients used in the Huna products that are grown on Huna's farm. Avoid wheat, dairy and sugar if you want gorgeous skin like Heather Urquhart's. Another (and unexpected) secret to gorgeous skin: smile! When you smile your skin lightens up and no wrinkles are formed. You'll find me in the corner smiling. Head over to Instagram or Facebook by clicking one of these symbols: Download the episode transcript: Heather Urquhart Podcast Episode Transcript See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Chris talks to Heather Urquhart of The Maydays and Ten Thousand Million Love Stories about connection, relationships and singing if you're in any doubt.
Danny and Chris chat to Heather Urquhart about her life as an improviser and the UK improv scene. Heathers Website http://www.heatherurquhart.com Showstopper http://www.theshowstoppers.org The Maydays http://www.themaydays.co.uk
Improv London - Episode 32 - Heather Urquhart Weekly podcast documenting and developing the London improv scene. http://www.heatherurquhart.com/ Heather Urquhart @Musicimprov Improviser with @maydays @TheShowstoppers @Ten1000million @BlytonImpro. Author @sponsong book. @newyorkdollies singer & Improv nerd. heatherurquhart.com The Maydays @Maydays Improv Comedy Theatre | Shows & Training Us: @lizpeterscomedy @seechord @musicimprov @katyschutte @julesmunns @johncremer @rhiannonvv @jblackwater @tiptreejen themaydays.co.uk @2Seats4Cheeks Two person improvised comedy from Jenny Rowe (Maydays, Impromptu Shakespeare) and Lloydie (MissImp, Maydays) https://www.facebook.com/twoseatsfourcheeks Dad's Garage Theatre @dads_garage We make funny happen… usually. Sometimes it's online: http://www.dadsgaragetv.com Kevin Gillese @kgillese Canadian transplant, humor enthusiast, Artistic Director of Dad's Garage Theatre. Atlanta dadsgarage.com Liz Peters @lizpeterscomedy Improviser, musical comedian and mutilated mermaid. @maydays Lizpeters.com Jules Munns @julesmunns NationalYouthTheatre @NYTofGB #NYT2016Season #NYTmasterclasses and #NYTClubMembership on offer now http://www.nyt.org.uk nyt.org.uk Kevin Tomlinson is a professional actor, writer and improviser. http://www.kevintomlinson.co.uk/index.htm Kepow Theatre @KepowTheatre UK Theatre Company (1991-present). Specialising in visual theatre, masks and improvisation. Oxford, UK kepowtheatre.co.uk https://www.dv8.co.uk/ Frantic Assembly @franticassembly Internationally renowned theatre company celebrated for our physical & collaborative approach. Company account with occasional thoughts of AD Scott Graham franticassembly.co.uk GeckoGecko @GeckoTheatre Gecko is a physical theatre company, based in the UK touring internationally. Current shows '#GeckoMissing', '#GeckoInstitute', #GeckoWedding, #GeckoDreamer geckotheatre.com Katy Schutte @katyschutte Improviser / Improv Coach / Actress @dqmanagement1 • @Maydays • @Project2prov • @KatyandRach • @DestinationPod katyschutte.co.uk Joe Samuel @seechord improviser, director, dreamer seechord.co.uk SING IT! IS READY FOR YOU TO BUY NOW! http://www.musicalimprovcomedy.co.uk/sing-it.html Pgraph @parallelo Parallelogramophonograph is a theatre company in Austin, TX that specializes in improvising plays. Austin, Texas pgraph.com Mick Napier @MickJNapier Director, Performer, Writer, micknapier.com http://www.onesuffolk.net/home/previews-and-reviews/reviews/dirty-great-love-story/ Katie Bonna @KatieBonna Actor, writer, eavesdropper, Salopian. Genuine Jonathan Creek fan. New show - All The Things I Lied About - Edinburgh 2016 https://www.facebook.com/AllTheThingsILiedAbout/?fref=ts katiebonna.org Richard Marsh @RichardBMarsh Marshing on London richmarsh.com https://www.facebook.com/thefictionaisle/ https://twitter.com/electsoftparade https://www.facebook.com/thefictionaisle/ The Showstoppers @TheShowstoppers We're the people behind Showstopper! The Improvised Musical - a musical comedy created from scratch at every performance! Olivier Awards 2016 Winners. Lyric Theatre London & UK tour theshowstoppers.org Baby Wants Candy @Babywantscandy The Completely Improvised Full Band Musical! BabyWantsCandy.com Adam Meggido @adammeggido 'Don't speak unless you can improve upon the silence.' Should make Twitter challenging... extemporetheatre.com Dylan Emery @dylanemery Olivier award-winning financial journalist. I'm as confused as you. http://www.theshowstoppers.org http://www.grandtheftimpro.com http://www.ghostcouple.com dylanemery.com
In this episode, Graham talks to improv actor, musician and author Heather Urquhart, of the Maydays and Showstoppers. They discussed when to say “yes” to things and when to say “no”, making time for friends and family, and learning how to play. Go further The Maydays, Heather’s improv company Sing it, Heather and Joe Samuel’s book on Open Your Mouth and Sing: more musical improv The “yes, and” rule of improv Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton Follow Heather on Twitter Follow Graham on Twitter Graham is the founder of time management training company Think Productive.
In this episode, Graham talks to improv actor, musician and author Heather Urquhart, of the Maydays and Showstoppers. They discussed when to say “yes” to things and when to say “no”, making time for friends and family, and learning how to play. Go further The Maydays, Heather's improv company Sing it, Heather and Joe Samuel's book on Open Your Mouth and Sing: more musical improv The “yes, and” rule of improv Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton Follow Heather on Twitter Follow Graham on Twitter Graham is the founder of time management training company Think Productive. This podcast is produced by Origin.
Three lovely ladies from London bring the shower series from DCM2015 to a close! Helen O’Donnell- Do Not Adjust Your Stage, LondonRhi Vivian- Music Box Improv, “The Maydays”, LondonHeather Urquhart- Co-writer of the Book “Sing It!”, Member of “The Maydays”, London
In this episode, Graham talks to improv actor, musician and author Heather Urquhart, of the Maydays and Showstoppers. They discussed when to say “yes” to things and when to say “no”, making time for friends and family, and learning how to play. ## Go further * [The Maydays](http://www.themaydays.co.uk/ "Link: http://www.themaydays.co.uk/"), Heather's improv company * [Sing it](http://www.musicalimprovcomedy.co.uk/ "Link: http://www.musicalimprovcomedy.co.uk/"), Heather and Joe Samuel's book on * [Open Your Mouth and Sing](http://www.musicalimprovcomedy.co.uk "Link: http://www.musicalimprovcomedy.co.uk"): more musical improv * The [“yes, and” rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_and...) of improv * [Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yes-Improvisation-Reverses-Creativity-Collaboration--Lessons/dp/0062248545/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412776&sr=8-1&keywords=yes+and+-+lessons+from+the+second+city "Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yes-Improvisation-Reverses-Creativity-Collaboration--Lessons/dp/0062248545/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412776&sr=8-1&keywords=yes+and+-+lessons+from+the+second+city") by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton * [Follow Heather on Twitter](http://twitter.com/musicimprov "Link: http://musicimprov") * [Follow Graham on Twitter](https://twitter.com/grahamallcott) Graham is the founder of [time management training](http://thinkproductive.co.uk) company [Think Productive](http://thinkproductive.co.uk). This podcast is produced by [Origin](https://origin.fm/).